Crosswords as a Metaphor for Life

Writer's Note: Since I am having difficulty as to where to put this post category-wise, it will be in the "potent potables" section, known primarily in Celebrity Jeopardy (which you should all watch).

I love doing crossword puzzles, from the excitement of getting a couple of easy clues to the accomplishment of finishing one. Many people find crosswords as a leisurely activity to escape from the pressures of work or school. However, a crossword is sometimes more than an activity; it’s a philosophy.

A crossword takes many little successes and turns it into a larger one. This is basis of collaboration. A group of people takes advantage of the strengths of all of the people in the group and they succeed. When even one person is not used to his fullest potential, then that group will never reach that ultimate goal. This holds true in crossword puzzles. Even if only one clue is not solved, the crossword is still not finished because that one clue is not there.  

Many crosswords focus on a specific theme. This theme is usually witty and helps solve the puzzle. This echoes the same responsibilities of central principle in someone’s life. Everyone needs something to focus their life around. People centralize their lives from work, family, friends, and other things to help them get through and live the life they want to live. Other people centralize themselves around principles such as hard work, perseverance, or spontaneity. Like a crossword puzzle, people use central ideas to help them.

The clues for crosswords are never the same difficulty. Some clues are easier to solve and others seem nearly impossible. This is the same with many people. Problems come in varying difficulties also. People sometimes get through days where they hardly worry at all, while other days, people get stuck on only one problem for weeks. However, like in crosswords, rather than focus too long on this difficult problem, solve some other problems around you and maybe you will come across the solution to that enigma that has been battling you all day.